Pearson explores Chinese market through PTE Academic

April 24, 2012, 11:00
, 11:00

The Pearson Group has announced a strategic partnership with JJL Overseas Education, a leading overseas education consulting and service company in China, to promote its English Language Proficiency test--Pearson Test of English Academic in China.

Developed by the world's largest education publishing group, PTE Academic is a computer-based international English language test. Compared with TOEFL and IELTS, PTE Academic is more flexible on test sessions and faster at returning scores. Test takers can register a test 24 hours in advance and get the scores within five business days. Therefore, an entire testing process can be completed within just seven days. This speed enables students to meet their institution and visa application deadlines faster. Moreover, students can send their best scores to schools free of charge.

Two years after entering the market, PTE Academic has been recognized by 32 countries and accepted for admissions by more than two thousands programs. Its acceptance includes top UK and US universities, including London Business School, Harvard University and Yale University, as well as the government organizations.

Established in 1999, JJL overseas education is a flagship agent in China. It has established cooperation with more than 1,400 universities and colleges in 23 countries. Each year, more than 30,000 Chinese students start their overseas studies through JJL.

"The collaboration with JJL is an important part of Pearson's expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region," said Emma Stubbs, senior vice president of Pearson's Language Testing Division, at a press conference held in Beijing on Monday.

JJL will be a key distributor for the Official Guide to PTE Academic and will provide consulting services. As a result of this collaboration, tens of thousands of students who use JJL's services will have direct and fast access to PTE Academic.

Besides the testing and overseas education services, both sides will also expand their cooperation to fields such as publishing, training and international exchanges.

Chinese students' overseas study boom has continued in recent years. The annual growth rate since 2009 has been around 25 percent. The number of students studying abroad is expected to reach 400,000 by the end of 2012, and surpass 500,000 by 2013.

"China has always been an important market for Pearson and one we wish to grow and expand in, and we hope our partnership with JJL will help us both achieve our ambitions," said Emma Stubbs.

Pearson is the world's leading learning company with 41,000 employees in more than 70 countries and regions. Headquartered in London, UK, it owns the Penguin Group, the Financial Times Group and a wide range of educational businesses.